Most bow buying mistakes happen before you ever draw the string. In this solo episode, Trail walks through how to prepare for the pro shop experience and how to avoid buying the wrong bow for the wrong reasons. He covers realistic budgets, fit over hype, how to test bows properly, and why “shooting the best in the lane” doesn’t always mean it’s the right hunting bow. Practical advice for bowhunters who are buying a new or even used bow this year.

This week on The Game Trail Podcast, Trail sits down with Dave Brinker to relive his epic elk hunting story from last fall. They also dive into the new year mindset—discussing goal setting, building strong habits, and creating systems to get healthier and stay disciplined. Whether you’re chasing big game or chasing personal growth, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and a few good laughs along the way.

Application season is here. Brady and Trail break down how they’re approaching the 2026 Western draws—where points still make sense, where opportunity outweighs odds, and how point creep and tag changes are shaping real-world decisions. From elk and deer priorities to risk tolerance and expectations, this episode lays out the mindset behind every application. If you’re trying to hunt more—and plan smarter—this one’s for you.

In this solo episode, Trail walks listeners through his full 2026 application playbook — species priorities, state-by-state reasoning, risk tiers, backup plans, and how he balances premium long-term goals with hunts he wants to draw now. If you’re looking to refine your own strategy for 2026, this is a blueprint worth copying.

In this solo episode, Trail reflects on the unsuccessful hunts — the hunts that didn’t end with a filled freezer or a grip-and-grin photo. He digs into what those experiences taught him about preparation, decision-making, patience, and what really matters in the field. From missed opportunities to hard-learned lessons, this is a real conversation about learning through failure and why sometimes the best takeaways come from the tags that stay uncut.

Trail takes a deep dive into his personal optics system — from binos to spotters and tripods. He breaks down why he chose each piece, what he prioritizes in the field, and how to find the right balance between cost, weight, and performance. A must-listen for anyone obsessed with glassing and gear refinement.

Trail talks with Matt Tillotson about the craft of spot-and-stalk mule deer hunting and the stories that come from time on the mountain. From tips and tactics on stalking mule deer to capturing once-in-a-lifetime moments on camera, Matt shares how he balances the hunt, filming, and the memories that keep him coming back. Matt later discusses mule deer conditions in western Wyoming and how they are rebounding from the tough winter of 22/23. You can check out Matt's YouTube channel to follow along with several of his hunts, highly recommended!

In this episode of The Game Trail Podcast, Trail sits down with Earl Stroh from Cutter Stabilizers to dive into the topic of bow stabilization. Cutter stabilizers are hand built in Colorado from materials sourced and machined in the USA. Earl discussed set-up strategy, stabilizer lengths for hunting, weight distribution, and how stabilizers can improve your hold. He also talks about using a backbar for hunting and why he thinks every bowhunter would benefit from using one. This is a technical conversation with practical takeaways for every western bowhunter.